Disease Modifying Activity of 2ME2 in RA Validated in Second Preclinical Study

EntreMed has presented positive preclinical data for 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) in rheumatoid arthritis.

Data from a preclinical study demonstrated activity of 2ME2 in an adjuvant-induced arthritis animal model. Results from this study demonstrated that administration of 2ME2 inhibits disease development and severity in an animal model of arthritis using multiple clinical measures. The study also demonstrated that 2ME2 treatment significantly inhibited both inflammatory cell migration to the joints and articular (joint) cartilage damage, which further suggests a direct role for 2ME2 in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Results from a separate preclinical study of rheumatoid arthritis presented by EntreMed at the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists last week also demonstrated the antiarthritic activity of 2ME2. Highlights of the data included the demonstration that oral administration of 2ME2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in clinical severity of arthritic disease as determined by clinical measurements. The decrease in clinical symptoms with 2ME2 administration was accompanied by a pronounced inhibition of tissue and joint damage.